Heardred

Heardred (died 530) was King of the Geats, succeeding Hygelac and preceding Beowulf. When Hygelac died, Queen Hygd sought to make Beowulf the new king instead of her son Heardred, as she feared that Heardred would be unable to protect his people from the Swedes. Beowulf had faith in Heardred, who became the new king. Heardred allowed for the Swedish king Ohthere's sons Eadgils and Eanmund to flee to his court, as their uncle Onela usurped the throne. Heardred was slain in battle with King Onela, while Eanmund would also die in battle.